Can’t find a Job? The U.S. Navy is Hiring.

With real unemployment figures topping out at 12 to 16 percent (many job seekers have simply given up and dropped out of the workforce), finding a decent job can be pretty tough, if not impossible. Even if you hold a college degree (half of all college grads are out of work or working at burger-flipping jobs), the outlook for the next couple of years is pretty dismal.  

What to do? 

If you’re young, able bodied and always wanted to serve your county, there just might be a solution to your problem. Join up.  There are some very definite upsides to serving your country. 

The U.S. Navy, for example, needs skilled service personnel in a variety of key positions. If you're a recent college grad or have been laid off during this recession, you might consider joining the Navy. Here are some of the top jobs currently in demand:

Accountant/Financial Specialist. You'll be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of shipboard accounts. You'll handle payroll, travel expenses and reimbursements, and help maintain supplies and resources 

Civil Engineer. You'll work with the most advanced construction technologies and engage in huge projects. You'll need a civil engineering degree and some experience.

Submariner. You'll operate and help maintain the Navy's advanced submarine fleet. It's an intense job that calls for skills and resourcefulness.

 

Human Resources Specialist. You'll help fellow sailors get the most out of their Navy careers. Your duties will vary from recommending Navy jobs and specialties to new sailors to helping those about to retire segue into the private sector. 

Nuclear Power Specialist. You'll be trained to work on some of the most advanced nuclear power technology in the world.  You'll need a high level of technical expertise, preferably an engineering degree to work on everything from new developments in nuclear power to improving existing facilities. 

Telecommunications Specialist. You'll make sure that communications between the thousands of vessels and bases in the US Navy fleet operate at maximum efficiency.  You'll work with some of the most advanced encryption technology to decode and encode classified material. 

Intelligence & Communications Specialist. You'll be responsible for tracking and maintaining intelligence that comes in from a wide variety of global sources. You'll learn every aspect of intelligence work, from identifying targets to sophisticated reporting and analysis. You'll learn about foreign threats and use that knowledge to strength U.S. defenses. 

Besides learning a trade that you could transfer to a civilian career, you’ll also acquire valuable leadership skills that will come in handy when you move up to management. And lest we not forget the multitude of benefits—full medical, dental vision, plus housing and college financial aid. It beats flipping burgers or dragging shopping carts  at Wal-Mart.